This month marks 10 years since I moved to Charlotte. I love it here more and more with each passing year. I am always exploring what is new, continuing my patronage at my favorite places, and really, expansion of all kinds has taken place over the last decade. I try not to think of the [...]

Tender pockets full of melt-in-your-mouth sweet, smoky, soft pumpkin coated with an aromatic cream. Every now and then, I create a recipe that even leaves me pleasantly surprised. With sheer determination and thought and no experience or research, this very autumn ravioli and decadent sauce turned out so well. It is certifiably a gourmet meal and [...]

Pesto is a fresh and flavorful combination of a leafy green (think herb, arugula, spinach, etc.) + some type of nut (pine nuts, walnuts) + olive oil + sharp aged cheese (like parmesan) + garlic that can serve as an Italian sauce or spread. My basil plant is the only thing in my garden that I happen to [...]